First Lady of Guyana H.E. Sandra Granger, who has made domestic violence a top priority in her mission to enrich the lives of Guyanese at home, was the guest speaker at a Conversation and Fundraiser luncheon at Tropical Paradise Banquet Hall in Brooklyn recently. She expressed deep concern for the high rate of women being murdered at the hands of their partners, and called for national dialogue and research to end the scourge.
During the hours-long conversation and Q&A, organized by the Coalition of Guyanese Woman — headed by Sherif Barker-Fraser — Mrs. Granger spoke passionately about the empowerment of teenage mothers through education, in collaboration with Women Across Differences.
She outlined projects such as the Buxton Youth Development Initiative, and Caring for the Elderly, initiatives, her ongoing work as a member of the CARICOM First Ladies Round Table on reducing adolescent pregnancy in the Caribbean, and her philanthropic projects, including Science Technology and Mathematics – STEM Guyana.
Patricia Jordon-Langford, president of the Guyana Tri-State Alliance Inc., said she was delighted to present several Robotics kits to Mrs. Granger, with thanks and great appreciation for all that she does.
“Thanks for your vision for a successful Guyana through education, literacy and STEM and for giving a voice to the voiceless,” said Jordon-Langford.
Consul General of Guyana to New York, Mrs. Barbara Atherly, welcomed Mrs. Granger and outlined wide a range of services offered to Guyanese at the diplomatic office.
Mrs. Granger, who arrived in the U.S., via Fly Jamaica Airways, presented a plaque to Mr. Roxanne Reece, owner of the airline, on behalf of the Guyana Unity Movement (GUM). She also congratulated the group for their outreach efforts in the Brooklyn area.
Mrs. Reece and her husband, Capt. Ronald Reece, who also owns Wings Aviation, operated in Guyana, also received a Citation from New York City Mayor, Bill DeBlasio, presented by community liaison, James Richmond.
Reporter-photographer Tangerine Clarkewas also presented with a plaque from GUM, a proclamation from New York state Sen. Kevin Parker, and a citation from Brooklyn Councilmember Jumaane Williams, for her continued support and dedication in the field of journalism and photography. Clarke was also recognized for her past service as a member of the Guyana National Service.
Consul General Atherly handed over a citation from Sen. Parker to Honest Illusions Multimedia Production, CEO and founder Brian K. Roberts, on behalf of GUM.
President Sherif Barker-Fraser, Second VP Doris Rodney, Sergeant of Arms, Burgette Williams Ford, Burchell Marcus, and other members of GUM, also expressed thanks to all who participated in the event, including state Sen. Roxanne Persaud, Cloyette Harris-Stoute, Ismay Griffith, Kayla R. Reece, Sharon Devonish Leir, Dr. Candace Cummings, Jocelyn Thomas-Wilson, Dr. Esther Haynes-Tross, Monique Simon and Michelle Cole, who presented her bridal wear collection.
